The Gate
Every full gate requires clear, specific answers to all four questions. Any unanswered question closes the gate. Ambiguity is not an acceptable answer — it is a signal to pause.
The four gate questions
Q1
Why are we doing this?
- What specific problem are we solving?
- What is the evidence this is the right problem now?
- What happens if we do nothing?
Q2
Who is affected by this decision?
- Who benefits, and in what concrete way?
- Who may be negatively affected?
- Who has no voice in this decision?
Q3
What are we accepting by deciding this?
- What is the worst realistic outcome?
- Is this decision reversible? Rate 1–5.
- What are the second-order effects?
Q4
Who takes ownership of the outcome?
- Name the owner explicitly — not a role.
- If no one accepts ownership, close the gate.
- The owner signs the Decision Log entry.
If any question cannot be answered clearly and specifically, the gate stays closed.
Reversibility Index NEW v3.0
Every decision subject to a gate must be assigned a Reversibility Index from 1 to 5. Decisions with an index of 1–2 may use the Fast Track Gate. Indices 3 and above always require a full gate.
Roles
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Decision Owner | The named individual who accepts accountability. If no one accepts ownership, the gate is closed and action may not proceed. |
| Facilitator | Ensures the gate process is applied with integrity and that the four questions are answered genuinely, not for appearances. |
| Domain Experts | Provide the domain knowledge required to answer the questions accurately. Domain Experts advise; the Decision Owner decides. |
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